For this Christmas, NORAD, the military organization that also provides satellite-based Santa tracking leading upto Christmas Day has released mobile apps into the Apple iTunes AppStore and the Android Marketplace.

Called NORAD Tracks Santa, the app features a countdown the NORAD Santa’s takeoff, after which he starts flying around the world on Christmas Eve delivering presents. Once the Countdown is crossed, the app will let you follow the NORAD Santa’s flight around the world from right within your iPhone or Android phone.

The app also has an “Elf Toss” game inside it that lets you to help Santa’s elves deliver presents, as well as learn about the NORAD organization and its mission.

This “Elf Toss” should be a lot of fun, especially for your kids who are waiting for Santa to arrive with their presents!

“NORAD Tracks Santa” App: Read Before You Rate

Several people are incorrectly rating the app really low after assuming that the countdown is for Christmas Day (which it is not. See above). Don’t do that. Don’t be that stupid person. You will get called out (as 1 person has, in the iTunes app ratings).

What is NORAD?

NORAD – short for North American Aerospace Defense Command – is HQ-ed in Colorado Springs, United States. NORAD is the bi-national U.S.-Canadian military organization responsible for the aerospace and maritime defense of the United States and Canada. NORAD was created by a 1958 agreement between Canada and the United States with the goal of providing advanced warning of impending missile and air attacks against its member nations, safeguards the air sovereignty of North America, and maintains airborne forces for defense against attack.

NORAD’s mission has evolved over the years. The most recent “evolution” in our mission came as a result of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. NORAD now coordinates closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NAV CANADA, Canada’s equivalent to America’s FAA, to monitor the airspace within Canada and the United States. In addition, the command also conducts maritime monitoring.

The men and women of NORAD are constantly watching the skies and waterways of the United States and Canada to keep us safe. (Source: noradsanta.org)

Shiva Manjunath

Shiva Manjunath is a technology blogger based in San Francisco, California.